Evolution of NBA Team Logos

By Josh Cohen

ORLANDO-- When you need a sports history refresher, glance over the evolution of team logos and suddenly a 15-minute conversation about classic games and performances with your buddies transforms into an endless one.

I recently decided to browse over the timeline of NBA logos for each active franchise and astoundingly there are so many moments that popped in my head.

For instance: When I gaze at the Utah Jazz logo that existed from 1996-2004, I can’t help but think of John Stockton and Karl Malone and their unforgettable NBA Finals clashes with the Chicago Bulls in 1997 and 1998.

The Atlanta Hawks emblem from 1972-1995 definitely reminds me of the days of Dominique Wilkins, while the Detroit Pistons symbol from 1979-1996 undoubtedly prompts me to think of Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boys of the late 1980’s.

It’s also astonishing the transformations that certain teams have made over the years to their image.

For example: The Houston Rockets have made significant alterations to their logo the five different times they have changed it. It’s fascinating that after they captured their second consecutive NBA championship in 1995, the Rockets decided to completely refurbish their exterior.

It’s also attention-grabbing that despite having such rich tradition, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have combined to showcase 10 different logos throughout history.

In 2010-11, the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz all released new logos. Last year, the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards did the same and most recently it was the Brooklyn Nets, who relocated from New Jersey, and Charlotte Bobcats to claim new designs.

Next season with the decision to change their team name from the Hornets to the Pelicans, New Orleans will carry a new logo.

If the Kings do indeed move from Sacramento to Seattle, it will be interesting to see if they use the same exact logo that existed before the Sonics moved to Oklahoma City or if they create a brand new look.

I have pasted in every franchise’s primary logo timeline below.

Also, make sure you visit SportsLogos.Net for a glance at every logo for every sport from the past and present.